Builder's Library: A Framer's Handbook

Residential Framing
by William P.
Spence (Sterling
Publishing Co.,
1994; 212/532-
7160). Softcover,
81/4x11, 288 pages.
$19.95.
Nearly every book on house construction
begins with the familiar diagram
of batter boards, strings, and
plumb bobs defining the corners of a
foundation. That same diagram is in
William Spence's book, Residential
Framing, too, but he explains the
thought behind the design and the
materials used better than other books
I've read. It's another instance of the
"beauty of simplicity" that reminds
readers why they love building.
After discussing the framing details
that need to be incorporated into
the foundation, Spence gets down
to the nitty-gritty of his subject:
how to build a house
frame out of wood. Most
contractors
will probably
postpone reading
the chapters on
the characteristics
of wood and
engineered
wood products,
tooling